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Za’Darius Smith, a defensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns, made a few decisions in the offseason besides cutting off his dreadlocks.

This offseason, Smith had a number of suitors interested in hiring the seasoned player for the 2024 regular season.

According to Smith on Wednesday, the defensive end decided to go back to Cleveland because he still had unresolved business with the franchise.

The first-round playoff loss motivated Smith to return this season for a deeper playoff run, according to a video that WEWS sports reporter Camryn Justice posted on Twitter. Smith is seen talking about his plans for this year’s team.

Smith stated, “I thought we needed to finish here because we didn’t get to where we wanted to last year.”

Smith, who is set to begin his tenth season, stated that he was being courted by a number of teams this offseason, mentioning the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders in particular.

In addition, Smith cited the 6-foot-4 defensive end’s return to Cleveland as a result of the Browns’ culture and chemistry.

Furthermore, Smith stated that while looking at the program from the outside, he “sees something in this team” that others do not.

The defensive end Smith signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns during the offseason, marking them his fourth NFL team since he entered the league in 2015.

In order to stay in Cleveland, Smith agreed to a two-year contract worth up to $23 million in March, which guaranteed his services until the 2025 campaign. Smith is 31 years old.

Smith has participated in 123 games over the course of nine years, totaling 298 tackles and 10 forced fumbles.

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Over the Browns, Za’Darius Smith reveals the teams he almost signed with.

Following his early offseason re-signing with the Cleveland Browns, Za’Darius Smith disclosed two teams he was on the verge of joining.

One of the main items on the Cleveland Browns’ extensive to-do list when the NFL offseason began was re-signing Za’Darius Smith. Luckily, general manager Andrew Berry signed Smith to a two-year, $23.5 million contract before free agency opened in March, securing one of the Browns’ finest linebackers.

Re-signing Smith was essential if Cleveland were to contend for a Super Bowl the next year, but it didn’t mean he would stay in Cleveland. The three-time Pro Bowl defense disclosed on Wednesday that he almost signed with two other teams this offseason after leaving the Browns.

News from Browns: Za’Darius Smith Nearly signed with Commanders and Dolphins
At Wednesday’s organized team activities (OTAs), Smith revealed to Zac Jackson of The Athletic that he had received contract offers from the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders. Smith also got a new haircut. Despite the fact that others may have found those offers alluring, the 31-year-old decided to remain in Cleveland because he “wanted to be here.”

That the Dolphins and Commanders were considering the veteran pass rusher’s services is not shocking. Miami and Washington, who ranked 22nd and 32nd, respectively, had two of the worst scoring defenses in the previous season. Due to his ability to alter games, Smith was among the best-rated free-agent defenders.

Thankfully, Smith turned down the less desirable offers to stay in Cleveland, where he has grown to be a huge fan favorite. Alongside Myles Garrett, the former 2015 fourth-round pick had an excellent rookie season, recording 18 solo tackles, 5.5 sacks, three passes deflected, and one forced fumble.

In addition to being rated as the No. 16 edge defender by Pro Football Focus, Smith’s 86.8 pass rush grade placed him seventh out of 112 qualified players of the same position.

The native of Montgomery, Alabama, told reporters that ultimately, he decided to stay because of the “brotherhood” and “camaraderie” he shares with his Browns colleagues. Another factor in Cleveland’s return was that he had some unresolved business.

“I had the opportunity to travel, but I didn’t feel like I wanted to. We started something last year that we intended to finish, but I didn’t think we got there.

The Browns lost 45-14 to the Houston Texans in a landslide to eliminate them from the Wild Card Round, despite having PPF’s top pass rush in the previous season. Stated differently, it is understandable why Smith believes there remains unresolved business.

If the Browns are to turn their detractors into believers the next season, Smith and the rest of the defense must be playing at their best. FanDuel Sportsbook is favoring them to miss the postseason (-162) with just +4000 odds to win Super Bowl LIX (T-15th), so sadly, the naysayers are already out in full force.